POS0209-HPR “I LOST A PART OF ME”: A QUALITATIVE STUDY EXPLORING THE IMPACTS OF SJÖGREN’S SYNDROME ON THE SEXUAL LIVES AND INTIMATE RELATIONSHIPS OF WOMEN WITH THE CONDITION
Authors: J. Mccready, K. Hackett, V. Deary, T. Collins
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2023)

<h3>Background</h3> Females with Sjögren's syndrome (SS) report alterations in their sexual ability, sexual functioning and relationship dynamics due to the disease<sup>[1]</sup>. However, there is currently an absence of qualitative research exploring the lived experience of these disruptions from the perspective of women with SS. <h3>Objectives</h3> To explore the lived experience of sexual disruptions and the impacts on intimate relationships for women with SS. <h3>Methods</h3> Northumbria University Ethics Committee granted ethical approval and informed consent was obtained prior to participation. Participants were recruited through SS associations and social media. Cisgender women aged 18+, diagnosed with SS, who were comfortable discussing their sexual functioning were invited to participate in a semi-structured, one-to-one interview throughout May and July 2021. Interviews were conducted via video or telephone call (based on participant preference), and audio was recorded and transcribed verbatim. Interviews lasted between 45-90 minutes. An inductive thematic analysis<sup>[2]</sup> was performed using ATLAS.ti software. <h3>Results</h3> Interviews were conducted with 15 women with SS (disease duration range= 3-348 months). Participants were predominantly from the USA (33.3%), UK (26.7%) and Canada (26.7%) and were aged between 21 and 70 years (M=49.07, SD=16.78). Participants identified as heterosexual (86.6%) or bisexual (13.3%) and were either married (66.7%), partnered (20%) or dating (13.3%) (relationship duration range= 5 months to 39 years). All participants had a male partner (100%). Regarding menopausal status, 40% were premenopausal, and 60% were postmenopausal. From the analysis, four themes were derived (Figure 1): 1) '<i>Impacts on personal and sexual identity'</i>: participants experienced alterations in how they related to their bodies and perceived their bodies to be forcing them to give up a sexual relationship which was in contrast to their wants and expectations. 2) <i>'Impacts on relationship with partner'</i>: the sexual relationship goes from being automatic and pleasant to something complex and needing deliberation. There is a loss of honesty and communication between partners regarding the sexual relationship. 3) <i>'Breaching of social norms around developing and maintaining new relationships'</i>: participants express a sense of doubt and anxiety about developing and maintaining sexual relationships in the future. There is an awareness of their sexual limitations and inability to meet societal expectations within a relationship. 4) <i>'Motivation to find solutions'</i>: Individuals look for solutions to help manage sexual disruptions, such as trying lubrication products, seeking advice from healthcare professionals, engaging with cognitive behavioural therapy practices, incorporating body scans and mindfulness during sexual activity and adaptation of activities to account for limitations. <h3>Conclusion</h3> This research highlights how alterations in sexual function caused by SS have consequences for an individual's personal and sexual identity, as well as adding an additional level of mental and physical effort to maintain sexual relationships. The self-management strategies identified in this study are valuable for healthcare professionals supporting women with SS experiencing sexual alterations. <h3>References</h3> [1]Bongi SM, et al. Gynaecological symptoms and sexual disability in women with primary Sjögren's syndrome and sicca syndrome. <i>Clin Exp Rheumatol</i>. 2013;31(5): 683-690. [2]Braun V, Clarke V. Using thematic analysis in psychology. <i>Qual Res Psychol</i>. 2006;3(2):77 101. <h3>Acknowledgements:</h3> NIL. <h3>Disclosure of Interests</h3> None Declared.